The Fear Of God, The Duty Of Man (2) - Wages Of The Fear Of God.

TEXT: Ecclesiastes 12:13, Proverbs 22:4

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man... By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life."

A CONVERSATION IN HEAVEN

A very long time ago, there was a conversation in heaven between God and Satan. Let's peep in and hear what it was all about:

God: "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

Satan: "Does Job fear God for nothing. Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

God: "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

Excerpts from Job 1:8-12 (NIV)

JOB - A PRACTICAL DEFINITION OF THE FEAR GOD

Job was a man that feared God. His fear of God made him an exceptional man in his era. He was upright, blameless and ran away from every appearance of evil. The life of Job was an inspiring epistle of obedience and righteousness; the practical definition of the fear of God.

Job loved and served God from his heart but God loved him much more and boasted about him to the host of heaven. Satan hated Job and failed in all his attempts to harm him. He could not find a way to enter Job's heart because God had surrounded him with a protective, impenetrable hedge. The hedge of God around you, your family and property will not be bridged in Jesus name.

After the drama in heaven, God permitted Satan to steal, kill and destroy Job's earthly possessions, but Satan still failed to dissuade Job from fearing God. Every attempt of the devil to make you turn away from serving God will fail in Jesus name.

BENEFITS OF THE FEAR OF GOD

The experiences of Job teach us that our fear of God should come from the depth of our hearts. We also learn that a man that fears God reaps inexhaustible benefits from the Almighty God. Let's see some of these rewards:

1. Complete Protection:

Job feared God and the Lord built a protective shield around him and all his possessions. Satan could not harm him. Psalms 34:7 says: "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."

Also see Prov 14:26.

2. Complete Provision:

God supplied all the needs of Job and even more than he needed (Job 42:10). "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life" (Prov 22:4).

3. Complete Restoration:

Job was restored completely after the onslaught of Satan. (Job 42:11-13).

4. Complete Preservation: Job lived a long, healthy, full and peaceful life. He lived for 140 years (Job 42:16-17).

"The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened" (Prov 10:27)

5. Complete Honour: God honoured Job in the eyes of his friends and family (Job 42:11).

There are many more benefits accruing to those that fear God. Deut 28:1-14 details the blessings God bestows on those that fear him. For those that don't fear God, Deut 28:15-68 highlight the curses awaiting them. You will not lose your own benefit in Jesus name.

CONCLUSION:

Fear God and reap the rewards the Lord has prepared for his faithful servants. "Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life." (Prov 22:4 NIV).

PRAYER:

Father, grant me grace to humble myself before you in fear of your holy name and let godly riches, honour and long life be my portion in Jesus name.

CONFESSION:

I will fear the LORD and obey him.

God bless you. Shalom.